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Action Theory A Primer for Applied Research in the Social Sciences
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Ladislav Valach, Richard A. Young, M. Judith Lynam
ISBN: 0-275-97086-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-275-97086-4
288 pages
Praeger Publishers
Publication: 7/30/2002
List Price: $102.95 (UK Sterling Price: £71.95)
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects:
Description: The authors describe a view that our short-, medium-, and long- term behavior, interactions, and relationships—whether planned or spontaneous, purposeful or playful—can be understood in terms of goal-directed systems. An understanding of action theory and research methods used in applied settings is provided. It leads to the conclusion that individual processes are joint processes and the joint construction of lives should be monitored to understand ongoing personal and social involvements.

The unique contribution of this book lies in its bringing together and extending of basic features of the theory of goal-directed action systems previously published in a range of scattered research and conceptual articles in the literature. Professionals including clinicians, counselors, social workers, researchers, doctors, nurses, and physical or occupational therapists will find in this book an accessible means to understand, act on, research, and intervene in the behavioral processes they encounter in everyday work.
Table of Contents:
  • Preface
    Action: Problem, Concepts, Explanation, Methods, and Theory
    Research Procedures for Using Action Theory in Applied Research
    Action Theory Research
    Application of Action Theory: Research Reports
    Empowerment, Praxis, and Action Theory in Health Promotion Research by Judith M. Lynam and Richard A. Young
    The Reasoning of Parents and Children in Conversation about Marital Transitions by Deanna Bader and Richard A. Young
    Attempted Suicide Stories: Suicide Career, Suicide Project, and Suicide Action by Ladislav Valach, et al.
    Action Theoretical Perspective in Rehabilitation by Ladislav Valach and Jaye Wald
    Conclusion
    Reference
    Appendix: The Family Health Promotion Project Research Manual
About the Author: LADISLAV VALACH is Oberassistant of Psychology at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. He is also a psychotherapist at the Rehabilitation Centre of the Medical Clinic at Buerger Hospital in Solothurn, Switzerland.

RICHARD A. YOUNG is Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia. His earlier books include Interpreting Career: Hermeneutical Studies of Lives in Context (Praeger, 1992) and Methodological Approaches to the Study of Career (Praeger, 1990).

M. JUDITH LYNAM is Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of British Columbia. She is Co-Director of the School of Nursing Cultural Studies and Health Research Unit.
LCC Class: 300
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